Do North American Spas Differ Greatly from European Spas in Modern Times?

European spas have traditionally been located near natural mineral or thermal springs due to their physical and emotional health benefits. People would often drink or bathe in the waters to cure a variety of ailments. The focus was mainly on health and diet rather than on rest and entertainment. In comparison, most North American spas focus mainly on beauty, stress-relief, and relaxation.

Spas are still a popular destination for most Europeans, but while preventing and curing illnesses are still priorities, many now go for rest, relaxation, and fun. The focus is changing from curing illnesses to good old-fashioned relaxation.

Many European spas differ from North American spas in that they offer some different kinds of treatments that most North Americans are unfamiliar with, such as carbon and sulfur baths or breathing gymnastics. Most European spas recommend a week long stay in order to detoxify the body, clear the mind, and focus on health. Daily massages, mud baths, long walks, and healthy eating are usually on the menu.

For many Europeans, annual visits to the spa are paid for by employers or the government as part of a preventative health program, which is not the case for most North Americans.